- The cup of tea my Dad brings me every morning and the one that I make the family in the afternoon
- The sound of the birds
- Grass, open space, fields, farm machinery
- The smell of my Mums cooking, and the taste!
- The availability of everything, the way that a snack is always there
- Having someone to nag me to do something!
- My immune system...
- Being able to move around in the bathroom
- A comfy bed
- TV!!
- Kiss FM
- Central heating
- My room
- My little brother always being there to bug me
- Driving and Dave the KA
- Carolyn
- Silence
- Wildlife (I saw an Urban Fox yesterday... yay)
- Sixth Form (well mainly media lesson withs Robyn)
- Rory's overuse of the term "intrinsically British"
- Lukes harmonica playing - it always made everyone happy!
- Max, Jack, Charz, Charlie, Tuey etc
- Geography lessons with Jack, Natalie and Lisa
- Trips up the street
- My lovely Grandparents
- The smell of a wood fire
- Look East
- The Suffolk Free Press
- Waitrose
- Pretty little houses and cottages
- Jacks pub <3
Monday, 25 October 2010
Things I miss from home...
Here's a little list of things that I miss from home:
Monday, 11 October 2010
Subway
This post is much more about university life than university learning and revolves solely around the wondrous shop that is Subway.
Hailing from a small village in North Essex, the bright lights of the city are daunting. Subway was one place in particular that I had never visited, much to everybodys surprise, I saw myself as more of a KFC or MacDonald's girl. This weekend I decided to bite the bullet and get a Subway from the franchise I can see from my dorm window - open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays! I wanted the famous Meatball Marinara but they'd run out, reminds me of the time I went to a Burger King and they'd run out of burgers, but that's not the point... so instead I had a 6" Chicken and Bacon Ranch with halipinos, lettuce, cucumber and mayonnaise and I was not disappointed.To anyone who doesn't know how Subway works it involved choosing your own bread, filling, salad and sauce - tailoring your own Sub. Since Saturday I have made another visit to Subway and had the famous Meatball Marinara, it was worth the wait.
Ahhh, I love uni.
Lectures, seminars and workshops - my uni setup
Most people believe that university is just lectures, sitting in a large lecture hall taking notes. In reality this is far from the case. At Portsmouth for my course there are very few lectures - just two a week, one for Law for Journalists and one for Theorising Mass Media, the rest of the time is taken up in seminars and workshops.
Seminars take place in much smaller groups - ranging from 10-25, much more like college or sixth form classes. Teachers take what has been explained in the lectures and ask questions and create discussions. Take my law seminar for example; questions are asked as well as the topic being covered in greater detail. Seminars are much more exciting than lectures and also provide the opportunity to make new friends and get settled into class groups.
Tutorial groups are also small and take the same form as seminars. People from the same or similar courses are placed together in classes to learn Study Skills. We meet once a week for an hour but also gain a personal tutor, rather similar to a form tutor, whom can be contacted with both academic and personal issues.
The last lesson type for my course in particular is workshops. My personal workshop is at 9am on a Thursday for 2 hours, not my most productive time but oh well! It is in these times that we learn the skills needed to be successful in newswriting and actually put it into practice!
I love how diverse the learning plans are, it's hard to get bored!
Seminars take place in much smaller groups - ranging from 10-25, much more like college or sixth form classes. Teachers take what has been explained in the lectures and ask questions and create discussions. Take my law seminar for example; questions are asked as well as the topic being covered in greater detail. Seminars are much more exciting than lectures and also provide the opportunity to make new friends and get settled into class groups.
Tutorial groups are also small and take the same form as seminars. People from the same or similar courses are placed together in classes to learn Study Skills. We meet once a week for an hour but also gain a personal tutor, rather similar to a form tutor, whom can be contacted with both academic and personal issues.
The last lesson type for my course in particular is workshops. My personal workshop is at 9am on a Thursday for 2 hours, not my most productive time but oh well! It is in these times that we learn the skills needed to be successful in newswriting and actually put it into practice!
I love how diverse the learning plans are, it's hard to get bored!
Sunday, 3 October 2010
The death of a legend... the Southsea Ultrasauras
As recently as my last post I mentioned the stunning sight that was the Southsea Dinosaur. Standing at 53/54 ft (conflicting reports) the dino brought something new to the large common, often used for student picnics and until recently barbecues. 
The dino, called Luna Parks, was due to move to my hometown of Colchester on October 10th, before then being transported to Cardiff and then hopefully back to Southsea on a more permanent basis.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Student 'digs'
All student 'digs' are different but here is an insight into what the University of Portsmouth has to offer. My flat is a four person flat, shared with two boys and one other girl. The building is James Watson - N Block, JW is widely accepted as the best halls of residence Portsmouth has so take a look...
First an foremost here is my room, this a standard en suite room which is also self catered. An attractive room which also includes a wardrobe, draws, bedside table, desk, freewire telephone (although mine doesn't work...) and an internet connection. The internet is incredibly quick and can be connected via the ethernet cable which is provided. Alternatively there are some unprotected wifi's which are available for student use... although i'm not sure if they are supposed to be or not.
The view from my room is fairly spectacular, despite only being on the second floor I have attractive view over the terrace (which also doubles up as a smoking and waste disposal area) and surrounding area. Take particular note of the rather exciting Subway across the road...
Becoming a student often comes coupled with a new found independence and self control. Cooking, cleaning and budgeting are all new and are skills that need to be learnt quickly, and learnt well. This photo shows part of our well equipped kitchen, a lovely space. A breakfast bar is in place in James Watson halls as opposed to the traditional dining table to save on space. Storage wise the kitchen is very reasonable - one up cupboard, and one down, as well as draws in both the fridge and freezer. Often flats end up with more kettles and toasters than people, this wasn't the case for our flat but there are very inexpensive toasters available in Tesco - ours was just £4.47 in fact. There are four hotplates, and oven and a microwave. I myself cannot speak too highly of the microwave as it has no defrost setting which is rather irritating, but it is however perfect for heating up ready meals, soup, beans and spaghetti hoops! The kitchen also houses four large comfy chairs which overlook the courtyard and make a lovely setting for an early morning cuppa... or a late night vodka! Do note however that the uni do not provide an ironing board or an iron, although it soon becomes apparent that one is not needed... and before starting university I was a religious ironer!
One more important note is that of the lift system and vandalism. Vandalism is often rife in halls, especially during the freshers period, on my floor ceiling tiles have been broken and carpet stained. Do note that if you cause the damage you will be charged heftily. I recently heard that a resident of Rees Hall was told that if someone is sick outside your door you are obligated to pay... interesting system. The lifts are very unreliable, I have been here 8 days and the lift has only been in service one of those days. I witnessed a boy on crutches using the stairs today, which is simply unacceptable, we have been told that the lifts are waiting for a 'part' but i'm not too sure. Fire alarms are also a major 'thing' in halls, our regulated fire alarm is on Wednesday mornings - this Wednesday it went off at 7am. Just a warning. Do be prepared for the odd druken fire alarm fiddle too.. always keep a dressing gown handy!
Below are a few images of all the halls of residence Portsmouth has to offer:
This image shows my hall, James Watson Hall. James Watson is made up of 3 blocks; D, N and A, these correspond to the DNA James Watson helped to discover. The hall is made up of four and six person flats, all self catered. The are also some studio flats - these are usually occupied by international students.
This hall is Harry Law, just off the Guilhall it is in the perfect location for shopping and night life, as are the other Guildhall halls; James Watson, Trafalgar, Bateson and Margaret Rule. Harry Law consists of single person rooms which are mapped out in a corridor style.
This is Margaret Rule, not very attractive from the outside Maggie Rule is actually the closest to all of the highstreet shops including New Look, Top Shop and Primark. The hall also practically sits on top of Portsmouth and Southsea railway station which runs direct, frequent trains to London Waterloo and London Victoria.
Trafalgar Hall is the tallest of the guildhall halls and is also very attractive from the outside. All of the flats are 6 person self contained and self catered. From the higher floors residents have a lovely view of the sea and also the Spinaker Tower and the lipstick at Gunwharf Quays.
Bateson is the last of the guildhalls. Located opposite Harry Law it also acts as the main reception where students can go for query's and also to collect parcels.
Rees and Burrell halls are located in Southsea and are catered halls. Although away from the buzz of the city centre the halls have their advantages. Both buildings are situated close to Southsea common, which is currently the home of a 53ft ultrasaurus dinosaur, believed to be life size. Southsea also has a collection of shops (mainly Co-Ops!) and Clarence Pier, a more Blackpool-eske landmark. The 10 minute hovercraft from Clarence Pier to the Ryde on the Isle of Wight runs regularly and is currently the only passenger hovercraft service in the UK. Back to halls... Rees Hall (£113) residents are all en suite single person flats located in a corridor style whereas Burrell (£91) students have shared toilet, shower and kitchenette facilities, with a sink in each room.
First an foremost here is my room, this a standard en suite room which is also self catered. An attractive room which also includes a wardrobe, draws, bedside table, desk, freewire telephone (although mine doesn't work...) and an internet connection. The internet is incredibly quick and can be connected via the ethernet cable which is provided. Alternatively there are some unprotected wifi's which are available for student use... although i'm not sure if they are supposed to be or not.
The view from my room is fairly spectacular, despite only being on the second floor I have attractive view over the terrace (which also doubles up as a smoking and waste disposal area) and surrounding area. Take particular note of the rather exciting Subway across the road...Becoming a student often comes coupled with a new found independence and self control. Cooking, cleaning and budgeting are all new and are skills that need to be learnt quickly, and learnt well. This photo shows part of our well equipped kitchen, a lovely space. A breakfast bar is in place in James Watson halls as opposed to the traditional dining table to save on space. Storage wise the kitchen is very reasonable - one up cupboard, and one down, as well as draws in both the fridge and freezer. Often flats end up with more kettles and toasters than people, this wasn't the case for our flat but there are very inexpensive toasters available in Tesco - ours was just £4.47 in fact. There are four hotplates, and oven and a microwave. I myself cannot speak too highly of the microwave as it has no defrost setting which is rather irritating, but it is however perfect for heating up ready meals, soup, beans and spaghetti hoops! The kitchen also houses four large comfy chairs which overlook the courtyard and make a lovely setting for an early morning cuppa... or a late night vodka! Do note however that the uni do not provide an ironing board or an iron, although it soon becomes apparent that one is not needed... and before starting university I was a religious ironer!
One more important note is that of the lift system and vandalism. Vandalism is often rife in halls, especially during the freshers period, on my floor ceiling tiles have been broken and carpet stained. Do note that if you cause the damage you will be charged heftily. I recently heard that a resident of Rees Hall was told that if someone is sick outside your door you are obligated to pay... interesting system. The lifts are very unreliable, I have been here 8 days and the lift has only been in service one of those days. I witnessed a boy on crutches using the stairs today, which is simply unacceptable, we have been told that the lifts are waiting for a 'part' but i'm not too sure. Fire alarms are also a major 'thing' in halls, our regulated fire alarm is on Wednesday mornings - this Wednesday it went off at 7am. Just a warning. Do be prepared for the odd druken fire alarm fiddle too.. always keep a dressing gown handy!
Below are a few images of all the halls of residence Portsmouth has to offer:
This image shows my hall, James Watson Hall. James Watson is made up of 3 blocks; D, N and A, these correspond to the DNA James Watson helped to discover. The hall is made up of four and six person flats, all self catered. The are also some studio flats - these are usually occupied by international students.
This hall is Harry Law, just off the Guilhall it is in the perfect location for shopping and night life, as are the other Guildhall halls; James Watson, Trafalgar, Bateson and Margaret Rule. Harry Law consists of single person rooms which are mapped out in a corridor style.
This is Margaret Rule, not very attractive from the outside Maggie Rule is actually the closest to all of the highstreet shops including New Look, Top Shop and Primark. The hall also practically sits on top of Portsmouth and Southsea railway station which runs direct, frequent trains to London Waterloo and London Victoria.
Trafalgar Hall is the tallest of the guildhall halls and is also very attractive from the outside. All of the flats are 6 person self contained and self catered. From the higher floors residents have a lovely view of the sea and also the Spinaker Tower and the lipstick at Gunwharf Quays.Bateson is the last of the guildhalls. Located opposite Harry Law it also acts as the main reception where students can go for query's and also to collect parcels.
Rees and Burrell halls are located in Southsea and are catered halls. Although away from the buzz of the city centre the halls have their advantages. Both buildings are situated close to Southsea common, which is currently the home of a 53ft ultrasaurus dinosaur, believed to be life size. Southsea also has a collection of shops (mainly Co-Ops!) and Clarence Pier, a more Blackpool-eske landmark. The 10 minute hovercraft from Clarence Pier to the Ryde on the Isle of Wight runs regularly and is currently the only passenger hovercraft service in the UK. Back to halls... Rees Hall (£113) residents are all en suite single person flats located in a corridor style whereas Burrell (£91) students have shared toilet, shower and kitchenette facilities, with a sink in each room.
An introduction...
I'm a keen football fan, supporting both my home team of Ipswich Town and the gloriously overlooked Portsmouth. Music is also a keen passion of mine, divisively so; rock is of course my main genre (having seen rock legends such as Green Day, The Killers and Muse several times) all the way over to hip hop an R'n'B, having recently enjoyed concerts by Tinie Tempah, N-Dubz, B.o.B and Roll Deep to name but a few.
Stay 'tuned in' for tips to survive at university, and how to get there...
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